Mysteron35

Hi all, this may be a silly question but what do you uk owners do at MOT time, take your car to a local MOT station or to a specialist?. I'm thinking take it to a specialist but that will involve a bit of a trek. The MOT isn't due yet but was just getting prepared.
Steve.

Computamedic

I think a lot depends on the state of the car. If you are sure it's in good condition and likely to pass you may as well take it to a local MOT station. If you think there is likely to be some work necessary to get it through you may want to take it to your specialist and get THEM to have the test done.

Personally, my car usually does little more that 5,000 to 8,000 km in a year so I ensure that the annual service and MOT coincide. I book it in to J Z Machtech and they get the MOT done at their local station (Langley Autocraft). It costs slightly more for the specialist to get it done - they make a small charge for taking it along there - but they can take care of any problems or advisories as they occur. It's often the silly stuff that catches you out - this year JZ reckoned my brake pipes were getting a little corroded so they cleaned and Waxoyl'ed them before the test and it sailed through.

If you take the car to your local station you have to consider what you'll need to do if it fails. If you leave it until the current certificate has expired and it fails the test you cannot legally take the car on the road to have it repaired elsewhere.

Regards

Dave

DaveK

I do the same on both my cars. Get it serviced at MOT time and don't need to worry about it failing.

Mysteron35

Thanks for the reply's, yes I think I'll do that, its not due for ages but its my first 911 and just getting it straight in my head before the time comes. I've run e30 m3's for the last fithteen years and can just get away with a local garage at mot time and I do most of my own servicing too. Thats something else, I'd planned to work on the 911 myself but may just get it serviced at a specialist for the bigger things.
Its Jamie summers old Slate Grey rs lookalike so its in fairly good order anyway, I'm just enjoying it so much.
Steve.

robmug

I take mine to the local MOT place. Actually, it's almost over the road so not too far away!

Given that I use the car so regularly, I'm pretty confident that there's nothing needing attention, as anything that does crop up gets fixed asap, not anually...

deep_uv

I'm curious. What items do they check on the MOT in the U.K.? Sounds really extensive compared to what I experience here in Texas (rules are different state to state). How much does it cost (assuming you pass)? How often do you have to do it?

Cheers,

Steve

DaveK

You have to do it once a year (first one is when the car is 3 years old). Not sure what it costs - about £45 I think.

They check "safety" stuff. Tyres, brakes, lights, suspension, play in bushes / steering etc., cracks / chips in windscreen, legal number plates (not all safety then....), emissions etc.

I admit I'm pretty sure my 964 would pass locally easily - but since I also need a service once a year anyway it's less hassle to get it done at the same time.

deep_uv

Thanks Dave. I guess it's bit more strict there than here but not a whole lot. Here they're not really concerned about appearance as in the brake line example, rather just functionality. To check the brakes, they just drive the car in the parking lot and press the brakes. If it stops reasonably, you pass that part. Otherwise, they check the functionality of the same items. I think I paid about $29 USD for my annual state inspection here in Texas.

Regards,

Steve

Computamedic

Steve,

There are a lot of details available here regarding the MOT test. The current charge is £50.35 for a car. If a vehicle fails the test a re-test is charged at half the rate once the repairs have been effected.

Regards

Dave

Mysteron35

Hi Dave, thanks for that link some usefull info there, It was where to take it that 's been bothering me more than the test. I live in a very rural part of Norfolk and take my m3's to a local old fashion garage and he understands these cars but I'm not sure about the 964, a place that see's lots of them would prob pass it on things that someone not familiar with them would fail, one of those "they all do that type of things".
I worked for a large london Merc dealership for many years and knew the things that were peculiar to them that a local garage would have failed.

Regards

Steve.

Harry Apps

Hello Steve

What's your post code? I live in NR17 and take mine to the Volvo dealer in Bury St Edmunds (yes, I have a Volvo too!) although I have a vested interest. They are not allowed to tamper with the car but, with a "friends and family card", I get MOTs at 50% off and they can do "while you wait". Any major fixes would probably go to Lancaster P outside Cambridge.

Regards

H

90 C4 Cab

Mysteron35

Hi Harry, I'm in PE32, small village of the A47 near Kings Lynn, I'm sure I've seen you about as it happens near Norwich? I saw the peppermint green car of mr tippler on the same day. Thanks for the reply and that could be the answer as the've mot'ed one before.
Regards

Steve.

DJS

Hi Steve,
As you live near King's Lynn have you considered TWG Motorsport in Peterborough?
They are an independent Porsche specialist AND an MOT station - they get my vote!
Regards,

David

Mysteron35

Hi David, I have heard of them but didnt know they were so close!. Many thanks for your reply.
Regards

Steve.

DJS

Hi Steve,

No problem. If you're ever in the area drop me a PM and you're more than welcome to pop by for a coffee! I'm only 5 mins or so from TWG.
Regards,

David